2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid

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2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid
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Key Specs

of the 2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid. Base trim shown.

  • Body Type:
    Sedan See similar vehicles
  • Combined MPG:
    28 Combined MPG
  • Engine:
    310-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 (premium)
  • Drivetrain:
    All-wheel Drive
  • Transmission:
    7-speed auto-shift manual w/OD and auto-manual
  • View more specs

2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid Overview

By Cars.com Editors
Vehicle Overview

Acura took the wraps off the redesigned 2018 RLX at Pebble Beach during Monterey Car Week, and we got a preview of what changes are in store for the big luxury sedan.

Acura has also cut down the trim levels for this year, leaving just two RLX variants: regular and RLX Sport Hybrid. Although Acura calls this a redesign, it's actually more of a refresh. The chassis and dimensions are the same, and both powertrain options are modified but keep the same engines and, in the latter's case, electric motors. The gas option does, however, get a new transmission, and the Sport Hybrid receives revised tuning based on the NSX supercar.
 

Exterior
Ding-dong, the beak is dead! The RLX ditches its old nose for a new one that is uncannily similar to that found on the TLX. It's an improved look to be sure; the hawkish countenance has been replaced by a flatter, more modern grille that is still flanked by "Jewel Eye" LED headlights. There is also a new hood that is more sculpted, new wheel designs and numerous changes to the rear, including a rear diffuser and taillights with a new LED design, which will make the RLX stand out at night. In addition, two new exterior colors will be offered: Brilliant Red Metallic and Majestic Black Pearl.

Powertrain
The powertrains in both the RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid have the same power output as last year's models, but each features some new enhancements for the 2018 model year. The front-wheel-drive RLX w...

Vehicle Overview

Acura took the wraps off the redesigned 2018 RLX at Pebble Beach during Monterey Car Week, and we got a preview of what changes are in store for the big luxury sedan.

Acura has also cut down the trim levels for this year, leaving just two RLX variants: regular and RLX Sport Hybrid. Although Acura calls this a redesign, it's actually more of a refresh. The chassis and dimensions are the same, and both powertrain options are modified but keep the same engines and, in the latter's case, electric motors. The gas option does, however, get a new transmission, and the Sport Hybrid receives revised tuning based on the NSX supercar.
 

Exterior
Ding-dong, the beak is dead! The RLX ditches its old nose for a new one that is uncannily similar to that found on the TLX. It's an improved look to be sure; the hawkish countenance has been replaced by a flatter, more modern grille that is still flanked by "Jewel Eye" LED headlights. There is also a new hood that is more sculpted, new wheel designs and numerous changes to the rear, including a rear diffuser and taillights with a new LED design, which will make the RLX stand out at night. In addition, two new exterior colors will be offered: Brilliant Red Metallic and Majestic Black Pearl.

Powertrain
The powertrains in both the RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid have the same power output as last year's models, but each features some new enhancements for the 2018 model year. The front-wheel-drive RLX with its 310-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 gets a new 10-speed automatic transmission that Acura says improves acceleration. The RLX Sport Hybrid is actually the more robust performer of the two; it uses the same gas engine but adds three electric motors for a total output of 377 hp. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system is standard on the hybrid.

Interior
Acura did not announce many changes to the inside beyond the standard line of "upgraded materials and touchpoints." There is a new seat featuring high-contrast piping and stitching, along with a new Espresso color option for the upholstery.

Safety
The RLX comes standard with AcuraWatch, which adds Traffic Jam Assist for 2018. Traffic Jam Assist keeps the RLX in its lane and will follow the car in front at a set interval. AcuraWatch also includes auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow and road departure mitigation.


View 21 Photos

Latest 2018 RLX Sport Hybrid Stories

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Consumer Reviews

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Exterior Styling
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Performance
(5.0)
Interior Design
(5.0)
Comfort
(5.0)
Reliability
(5.0)
Value For The Money
(5.0)

What Drivers Are Saying

(5.0)

More Luxury, Sport, and Technology for your Money

by SVKW from San Diego, CA on August 16, 2018

I conducted research on luxury sport vehicles 18 months before purchasing the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid with competitors BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Audi, and Infiniti. I ultimately chose the Acura RLX Sport ... Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid currently has 0 recalls

NHTSA Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

Based on 2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid Base w/Advance Package

NHTSA rates vehicles using a star rating system from 1-5 stars, with 5 being the highest.

Overall Side
5 Star
Overall Rollover Rating
5 Star
Side Barrier
5 Star
Side Barrier Rating Driver
5 Star
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat
5 Star
Side Pole
5 Star
Side Pole Barrier combined (Front)
5 Star
Side Pole Barrier combined (Rear)
5 Star
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. NHTSA provides vehicle safety information such as front- and side-crash ratings and rollover ratings. Vehicles are rated using a star rating system from 1-5 stars, with 5 being the highest.

Manufacturer Warranty

  • Bumper-to-Bumper

    48 months / 50,000 miles

  • Powertrain

    72 months / 70,000 miles

  • Roadside Assistance

    48 months / 50,000 miles

CPO Program & Warranty

Certified Pre-Owned by Acura

Program Benefits

24-hour roadside assistance, trip-interruption services, trip-planning services, emergency fuel delivery, emergency lockout service and Acura Concierge Service

  • Limited Warranty

    7 years / 100,000 miles

    1-year/12,000-mile non-powertrain warranty begins after expiration of original warranty (4 years/50,000 miles) or on date sold as certified (no deductible); 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty begins from the original in-service date (no deductible)

  • Eligibility

    Under 6 years / 80,000 miles

    Vehicles receive a 182 point inspection and reconditioning.

    See inspection details.

Have Questions about warranties or CPO programs?

See Warranty FAQs

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The RLX Sport Hybrid received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker